Armistead challenger to address GOP committee

Published: Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 11:27 p.m.

MONTGOMERY — Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead has drawn opposition to his re-election from Montevallo attorney and GOP Executive Committee member Matt Fridy.

Fridy, 36, who practices law in Birmingham, on Wednesday said he plans to address the executive committee today in a conference call. The executive committee has more than 400 members.

“(I) will talk about my specific ways to unify the party and raise resources, and our need to be competitive in every county and to be transparent,” he said in an interview.

Armistead, a former state senator, was elected to a two-year term in February 2011, succeeding House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn. The executive committee meets in two months to elect a new chairman.

Hubbard on Wednesday said he supports Fridy, who addressed GOP Executive Committee members Wednesday in an email obtained by The Gadsden Times.

“For several months, conservatives across our state have encouraged me to run for the position of state party chairman,” Fridy said.

Armistead this week announced he will seek a second term. He could not be reached for comment.

<p>MONTGOMERY — Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead has drawn opposition to his re-election from Montevallo attorney and GOP Executive Committee member Matt Fridy.</p><p>Fridy, 36, who practices law in Birmingham, on Wednesday said he plans to address the executive committee today in a conference call. The executive committee has more than 400 members.</p><p>“(I) will talk about my specific ways to unify the party and raise resources, and our need to be competitive in every county and to be transparent,” he said in an interview.</p><p>Armistead, a former state senator, was elected to a two-year term in February 2011, succeeding House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn. The executive committee meets in two months to elect a new chairman.</p><p>Hubbard on Wednesday said he supports Fridy, who addressed GOP Executive Committee members Wednesday in an email obtained by The Gadsden Times.</p><p>“For several months, conservatives across our state have encouraged me to run for the position of state party chairman,” Fridy said.</p><p>Armistead this week announced he will seek a second term. He could not be reached for comment.</p>